Available positions in the group:

• Research Assistantship position for graduate students 

• Research position for undergraduate and high school students 

Research Assistantship position for graduate students

Two exciting research projects are available in Professor Shvets' group. Get an early start on your research and secure summer support! If you get interested in the projects and do well, there is a possibility of a research assistantship next year.

1. Computational Laser-Plasma Physics. The project has a substantial computational component, and is related to modeling the interaction of ultra-intense laser pulses with plasmas. Perspective student will participate in modeling exciting upcoming experiments at the Texas Petawatt center that may lead to the world record high energy (several GeV) of the relativistic electrons produced by laser-plasma interactions. Close collaborations with experimental laser-plasma groups of Prof. Downer is anticipated. Other topics in computational plasma physics, including laser-ion acceleration and inertial confinement fusion, may also be pursued depending on the student’s interests/skills. As part of your research, you will learn first-principles particle-in-cell plasma simulations, run
   Requirements: preferably, you have already taken a graduate E&M or a modern optics course, some introductory plasma physics (advanced undergraduate courses may be sufficient). Strong programming experience (C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB) will be very valuable.

2. Nano-optics and MetaMaterials. Two projects are available to choose from: (a) design, fabrication, and testing of a surface wave particle accelerator, and (b) design and fabrication of plasmonic metamaterials for sub-wavelength imaging/lithography, light harvesting, and biochemical sensing. Both projects have experimental and computational components. The mix between theory and experiment will depend on the student’s interests and expertise. As part of your research, you will learn micro- and nano-fabrication techniques (FIB, e-beam lithography, reactive ion and wet etching), characterization (SEM and AFM microscopy), laser diagnostics (visible and infrared), and electromagnetic simulations (finite-elements). Requirement: some lab experience with lasers and clean room is helpful.

To learn more about the research done in our group, visit our webpage at http://shvets.ph.utexas.edu. Professor Shvets can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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